Diospyros kaki Cioccolatino - Persimmon

Diospyros kaki 'Cioccolatino' is an ancient variety of Italian Persimmon tree that is interesting for its excellent productivity and its non-astringent fruits of good taste that can be consumed right after harvest, when they are still firm and crunchy, like apples. They are round, medium-sized, and yellow-orange in colour. Their bronze-orange flesh becomes softer and very dark after complete ripening, with a chocolate bronze colour. This variety, which requires long, hot, and sunny summers, is grown in the southern half of France and similar regions. Harvest begins at the end of October. The moderately-sized tree is well-suited for small gardens. 'Cioccolatino' is an excellent pollinator for 'Tipo', 'Hana Fuyu', and 'Rouge Brillant' Persimmons.

The Kaki 'Cioccolatino' forms a medium-sized tree, approximately 4-5m (13-16ft) tall and 3-4m (10-13ft) wide. It belongs to the category of non-astringent Persimmons, which means they can be consumed before they become over-ripe. However, it is also possible to let the fruits over-ripen, either on or off the tree, to make them softer and sweeter. The fruits are medium to small-sized, round, with a yellow-orange to light orange skin and a fairly firm texture. The flesh is of good quality right after harvest and contains seeds. The fruits can be cooked into jams or compotes, eaten raw in salads with or without cream, or dried like figs. Explore all the different ways to discover their various flavours.

The Kaki (Dyospiros kaki) is a tree native to China, with a rounded habit, reaching 6 to 10m (20 to 33ft) in height and 5 to 7m (16 to 23ft) in width, depending on the variety. Its growth is rather slow. Belonging to the Ebony family, its wood is very hard. The Persimmon leaves are elongated, about fifteen centimetres long, and shiny green. They often display beautiful autumn colours. The 'Cioccolatino' Persimmon is hardy up to -15°C (5°F), but occasional severe frosts in the eastern and northern regions can weaken it. It enjoys both heat and sunlight. It is a self-fertile variety, so it is not necessary to plant another Persimmon tree nearby to obtain fruits. The flowering is late, appearing in May-June, and consists of small, insignificant yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects.

Diospyros kaki is a subtropical species that has adapted very well to the hot and dry Mediterranean climate in summer. Planting is done in frost-free autumn or winter, or alternatively in spring with regular watering. Choose a sunny and sheltered location. The Chinese Persimmon tree thrives in all types of soils, preferably slightly acidic. It prefers well-drained and rich soils. If you plant multiple trees, space them 5 to 7m (16 to 23ft) apart in all directions.

This beautiful genus name, Diospyros, comes from Greek and means "fruit of the gods"!